Alumni Profile: Lana

Retired associate dean, College of Arts and Sciences

BA in art education, class of 1969

When you first came to UIUC did you know for sure what you wanted to do as a major/career?

Yes.

What was your first job after you earned your degree?

Elementary art teacher

How did you land your first career related job?

Through a listing at the U of I Career Services Office.

List all positions in order that you have held since graduation up till now (including those not related to your major, i.e. waitress, temp, teacher, etc.). Please provide brief descriptions for clarity if necessary:

Art teacher
Associate professor of art education
Associate dean of the College of Arts and Sciences

What is your current occupation and how did you come to it?

I just retired after 36 years as an art educator.

What advice would you give to an FAA student who might be interested in your current or past careers?

Get experience in art education at the public school level and earn a PhD in art education.

What advice can you give an FAA student who is currently undecided about their future career?

Double major. If you want to be in the art field, having a second degree to support yourself will really be helpful.